HYBRID workshop. Join on Zoom:
https://gu-se.zoom.us/my/kellecioglu Passcode: 0342
The European Parliament adopted a directive on ""Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence"" on 1 June 2023. The intention is to produce a binding legislation that force EU-based corporations to fulfil human rights and environmental sustainability around the world. This process coincides with the ongoing United Nations initiative “Legally binding instrument to regulate, in international human rights law, the activities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises”. In addition, the OECD has, in 2023, updated it's ""Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct"". There are also new accountability initiatives for TNCs at the country level, notably in Germany, Norway, France. These policy processes are relevant to researchers in Sweden and South Africa as the civil society and many policy-makers in both countries have welcomed these initiatives. After all, transnational corporations (TNCs) are responsible for the majority of human rights violations and environmental degradations around the world. It is, therefore, expected to be valuable to explore the operations of Swedish (and possibly other EU) TNCs in South Africa. They would be scrutinised, but also have better incentives to showcase positive examples of accountability. For instance, in Sweden, a major court case is taking place at the time of writing against the operations of Lundin Oil in South Sudan. The purpose with the workshop is to connect researchers who are interested in this area, and develop long-lasting research collaborations, while deliberating upon how the topic could be researched upon, in light of the policy initiatives at the EU, UN, OECD and at national levels. In particular, we would like to focus on the impact of TNC operations to public health; as an example of one of many arenas of social transformation. After all, TNC operations are important matters for sustainable development. They impact the social and environmental conditions everywhere, but also the distribution of power between citizens, political representatives, and corporate leaders. This envisioned research project is expected to provide insights to civil society, the aid community, and policy makers, in both countries, on the role of TNCs in social transformations. In particular, to specifically connect certain kinds of TNC business practices to certain kinds of socio-economic outcomes, such as public health. In fact, if we are able showcase how TNC operations could be improved in supporting human progress and environmental sustainability, we would be in a much better position to achieve the SDGs.
Furthermore, given that both research work and policy are quite limited in this important area, there are important knowledge gaps to fill. This is particularly important given the complexities in holding TNCs accountable with regards to people and the planet. It could even be in the interests of TNCs to be held accountable, so to race to top of operational standards, rather than to the bottom. After all, there are a significant number of corporate executives requesting higher standards and accountability structures regarding business conduct. If major TNCs were increasingly ensuring descent work and environmental sustainability, a lot of progress could be achieved. This is particularly crucial when it comes to women and girls in South Africa, as they are often subjected to terrible working conditions and very low pay.
We intend to build upon our experiences as teachers and researcher. In the case of Deniz, build upon his lectures, seminars and panel moderator (at the Human Rights Days in 24 November 2023) on this topic to lead the deliberations of the workshop. In the case of Carmen, connect aspects of public health in South Africa to the operations of TNCs. In particular, we envision the following sequence, but the idea is to go from the general to the specifics, to end up with concrete plans and exchange of contact information. First, we deliver an introduction to the topics at hand and the purpose of the workshop (15 minutes), and thereafter open up for questions, reflections, and insights (15 minutes). Thereafter, we deliver an a brief review of the available literature on the topic; ranging from scholarly books, journal articles, civil society reports, United Nations material, court cases, to parliamentary documentation. We will follow this up with specific focus on research material from Sweden, and South Africa, but ask for additional insights and guidance (15 minutes). This ought to be followed by an interaction that provides further insights, ideas, and guidance on research material (30 minutes). It is our hope to tackle the following questions. • How do we as researchers manage these new initiatives and legislations? • What are the implications of intersectional perspectives? Gender, Class, Ethnicity, etc? • What are the dynamics when it comes to power between TNCs, States, Civil Society, and affected populations? • Is it worthwhile to focus on specific sectors? Mining, Industry, ICT, etc?
Thereafter, we will deliver an overview of possible research methods on the topic (10 minutes) and ask for further insights, ideas, and guidance (20 minutes). The workshop would be wrapped-up through a summary of the deliberations, followed by an exchange of ideas for a concrete research network; that include the question on how to include other possibly interested researchers and stakeholders. In this discussion, we would also prioritize brainstorming around possible avenues for research funding (15 minutes)
Keywords: European Union, Transnational corporations, Public Health, Planet, Power
